CHATHAM — The 14-screen Studio Movie Grill in Chatham is done with its massive, $3 million renovation, and officials there are say there's no reason for area residents to search any further for an upscale movie-watching experience.
Events manager Venisha White Johnson said the remodeling project is finally done and she encourages moviegoers in the area to come see it for themselves.
“You should not have to leave your community to get the finest because we have the finest right here,” she said. "And we have free parking."
The remodeling of the 20-year-old theater at 210 W. 87th St. started three years ago, but it wasn’t until last October that they “geared up” the speed on the work, White Johnson said.
Now patrons can lounge in brand new leather seats, she said.
The 65,186-square-foot theater has 14 auditoriums. The remodel includes a contemporary-casual entry and bar area. There’s also a full-service kitchen, she said, so even if people don’t want to see a movie, they can still come for lunch or grab a drink.
Studio Movie Grill in Chatham completed its $3 million remodeling project. [Provided by Studio Movie Grill]
To help celebrate the remodeling, the theater will host six weeks of community events, a mix of free and paid. A stage has been built in the lobby for live events, such as an upcoming performance by local musicians and poets. They’ll perform near the bar area from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 2.
“Senior Talk” with Clara Hubbard will offer free health checks from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. as well as a free screening of “The Shack” on Tuesday. Call 312-428-6919 to RSVP.
The theater will launch its Special Needs Screening program with a free showing of “Beauty & The Beast” at 11 a.m. Saturday for children with special needs. The theater will donate an adaptive bike to a local special needs child with nonprofit partner Variety, the Children’s Charity of Illinois, which has supported the Neil School in Chatham and Beacon Therapeutic.
Also on Saturday, Chance the Rapper will return to Studio Movie Grill Chatham, where he donated all the tickets for “Get Out” on every screen in February, to announce the winners of the Bud Billiken Royal Court competition.
On Monday, Studio Movie Grill Chatham will host Maranatha Church for a screening of “Hope Concert Film” starring Grammy-nominated singer Candy LaFlora. Visit www.2017hopeconcertmovie.eventbrite.com for details. On March 29 there will be a Black Star Project film screening and discussion.
It’s important for the theater to fully welcome the community into its doors, White Johnson said.
